Vanessa Lawrence

Vanessa Lawrence is a dedicated counselor with a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, obtained in 2018. Vanessa believes that life experiences significantly shape who we become, and much of this transformation occurs within our thought lives. Our thoughts influence our beliefs, and our beliefs, in turn, shape our perceptions of reality. The ability to manage and align one’s thoughts plays a crucial role in building mental resilience, enhancing the capacity to overcome challenges and recover from traumatic experiences. Vanessa is passionate about helping individuals harness the power of thought through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a scientifically supported method rooted in neuroplasticity that promotes adaptive thinking patterns and personal growth.

Vanessa works with individuals facing diverse mental and behavioral challenges, including anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, ADHD/ADD, grief, eating disturbances, self-esteem issues, and trauma. She offers compassionate, empathetic, and understanding support to clients ages 12 and up, guiding them in navigating life’s complexities and achieving their personal goals.

Outside of her work, Vanessa enjoys time with her canine companion, Ziggy, teaching her cockatiel, Keiko, new words, and spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She has a love for travel, reading, and continuous learning, especially in the realms of spirituality and mental health. Vanessa values her relationship with God, crediting her faith as a source of wisdom and guidance in her practice and life journey.

While CBT is her primary treatment modality, Vanessa integrates elements of various approaches to provide a holistic approach to counseling, including:

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Positive Psychology
• Exposure Therapy
• Spiritual Wellness Therapy, which can include travel, nature connection, faith, volunteer work, or other meaningful practices
• Stress Management Therapy
• Self-Care Therapy